Yes, you may be eligible to claim Universal Credit even if you work full-time, depending on your earnings and personal circumstances.
Detailed response question
Yes, it is possible to claim Universal Credit even if you work full-time. However, eligibility for the benefit depends on a range of factors, including the amount you earn, your household income, your savings, and your personal circumstances.
According to the UK government’s official website, Universal Credit is designed to support individuals and families on a low income or those who are out of work. It is a means-tested benefit, which means that the amount you receive depends on the amount you earn and the money you have in savings.
To be eligible for Universal Credit, you must be:
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Aged 18 or over
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Under State Pension age
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Living in the UK
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Not in full-time education or training
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Not claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income Support, or Employment and Support Allowance
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Not subject to immigration control
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Meet the eligibility criteria for at least one of the following:
- income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Income Support
- Child Tax Credit
- Working Tax Credit
- Housing Benefit
There is no set amount that you can earn and still qualify for Universal Credit, as it depends on your individual situation. However, if you earn more than the threshold, your Universal Credit will be reduced by 63p for every £1 that you earn above the threshold. This is known as the taper rate.
It is worth noting that if you are claiming Universal Credit and your earnings change, your monthly payment will also change. This means that you should keep your work coach informed of any changes to your income, as it can affect the amount of benefit you receive.
In the words of UK politician Amber Rudd, “Universal Credit is a vital reform that supports people into work and ensures that they are better off in employment than on benefits”. For many people, it provides a crucial safety net to help them make ends meet.
Here is a table summarising the eligibility criteria for Universal Credit:
| Criteria | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Age | 18 or over |
| State Pension age | Under State Pension age |
| Residence in the UK | Living in the UK |
| Education or training | Not in full-time education or training |
| Other benefits | Not claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income Support, or Employment and Support Allowance |
| Immigration status | Not subject to immigration control |
| Eligibility for at least one other benefit or tax | Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support, Child Tax Credit, Working Tax Credit, Housing Benefit |
This video has the solution to your question
Sure! Here’s a transcript excerpt: “In this section, the video answers several frequently asked questions related to Universal Credit in the UK. Firstly, the criteria for eligibility for Universal Credit are discussed, and the website to apply is provided. The video then breaks down the standard allowance amounts by age and relationship status, and explains that extra payments depend on individual circumstances, such as if one has children or disabilities. The video also lists the process for applying for an advance on your Universal Credit, and the terms for a second advance payment. Additionally, the video provides details on how payments are scheduled and how rent and mortgage payments can be covered by Universal Credit. Finally, the video clarifies that Universal Credit does not impact one’s credit score or rating as it’s classified as income.”
Some additional responses to your inquiry
There’s no limit to how many hours you can work. Your Universal Credit does not stop if you work more than 16 hours a week. Use a benefits calculator to see how increasing your hours or starting a new job could affect what you get.
Yes, you can claim Universal Credit while working. There is no upper limit to the number of hours you can work, but your earnings will usually reduce the amount of your award. Unlike Jobseeker’s Allowance, your payment will not stop if you work more than 16 hours a week. Your total income will be your earnings plus your new Universal Credit payment, which will be calculated based on how much you earn from your job. Your claim continues when you start working, so you can take temporary or seasonal jobs without worrying about making a brand new claim. Your Universal Credit payments will stop when your earnings are high enough, but the amount will depend on your circumstances.
Do I have to be out of work to claim universal credit? No, you don’t have to be out of work to claim universal credit. Many people claim universal credit while they are working and there is no upper limit to the number of hours you can work, although your earnings will usually reduce the amount of your award and sometimes
Universal Credit: You can work up to 16 hours and get the full Universal Credit (Image: Getty) READ MORE However, unlike Jobseekers’ Allowance, your payment will not stop if you do decide to work more than 16 hours. Your total income will be your earnings plus your new Universal Credit payment, which will be calculated on
There’s no limit to how many hours you can work. Your Universal Credit does not stop if you work more than 16 hours a week. Use a benefits calculator to see how increasing your hours or starting a new job could affect what you get. Most employers will report your earnings for you. You will normally only need to report monthly
When you start work, the amount of Universal Credit you get will gradually reduce as you earn more. But unlike Jobseeker’s Allowance, your payment won’t stop just because you work more than 16 hours a week. 2. Total income Your total income will be your earnings plus your new Universal Credit payment. The more you earn, the
You may still be able to receive Universal Credit payments when you start work or increase your earnings. You will continue to receive Universal Credit until your earnings are high enough, at which point your payments will stop. That amount will depend on your circumstances.
Furthermore, people ask
How long does it take for Universal Credit to be approved?
The reply will be: It usually takes around 5 weeks to get your first payment. If you need money while you wait for your first payment, you can apply for an advance.
Does Universal Credit affect credit score?
In reply to that: If you are claiming Universal Credit it won’t affect your credit rating. Your credit score, or rating, looks at your borrowing history, what debt you have and whether you have repaid your debts reliably. Universal Credit forms part of your income so wouldn’t appear in your credit history or affect your credit rating.
Can Universal Credit check my savings account?
Answer: DWP investigators do have the power to gather various types of evidence against those they suspect may be acting fraudulently. This may include looking into financial data, such as bank statements or savings accounts.
What counts as savings for Universal Credit?
In reply to that: Savings are counted as any money you can get hold of relatively easily, or financial products that can be sold on. If you live as a couple any money they have in savings or capital is counted as well. These include: cash and money in bank or building society accounts, including current accounts that don’t pay interest.
Can I get Universal Credit if I’m studying full-time?
You may be able to get Universal Credit if you’re studying full-time and any of the following applies to you: You’re 21 or younger and in full-time non-advanced education. Non-advanced education is any qualification up to A-Level, or equivalent. You’re responsible for a child. You live with your partner, and they are claiming Universal Credit.
Can I claim universal credit if I can’t work?
In reply to that: If you can’t work because of sickness or disability, you may be able to claim the ‘limited capability for work and work-related activity’ element of universal credit. Did you know? If you have paid enough national insurance contributions, you may also be able to claim new-style employment and support allowance of up to about £84.80/week.
Can I get Universal Credit if I am self-employed?
As a response to this: If you are or become self-employed, you may be eligible for universal credit. You will need to meet the general universal credit eligibility criteria. You will also need to show that you are "gainfully" self-employed. This means that: Your self-employment is your main job or source of income. You’re getting regular work from self-employment.
Can I still receive universal credit if I increase my earnings?
You may still be able to receive Universal Credit payments when you start work or increase your earnings. You will continue to receive Universal Credit until your earnings are high enough, at which point your payments will stop. That amount will depend on your circumstances.
Can I get Universal Credit if I’m studying full-time?
Response to this: You may be able to get Universal Credit if you’re studying full-time and any of the following applies to you: You’re 21 or younger and in full-time non-advanced education. Non-advanced education is any qualification up to A-Level, or equivalent. You’re responsible for a child. You live with your partner, and they are claiming Universal Credit.
Can I claim universal credit if I am unable to work?
Response will be: You may also be eligible if you are unable to work due to illness or a disability. Universal Credit has replaced the following benefits in most circumstances: Working Tax Credit. In general, it’s not possible to claim Universal Credit at the same time as any of these benefits.
Can I get Universal Credit if I am self-employed?
If you are or become self-employed, you may be eligible for universal credit. You will need to meet the general universal credit eligibility criteria. You will also need to show that you are "gainfully" self-employed. This means that: Your self-employment is your main job or source of income. You’re getting regular work from self-employment.
Can I still receive universal credit if I increase my earnings?
Answer to this: You may still be able to receive Universal Credit payments when you start work or increase your earnings. You will continue to receive Universal Credit until your earnings are high enough, at which point your payments will stop. That amount will depend on your circumstances.